Amplitube5 - Release Date 15-16/12/2020

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Looking at the chart, it looks like IK have placed good value throughout the offerings. Customers will have varying amounts of gear, and be able
to pick based on comparing what they have now, with what they want for the coming year. I have MAX 4, so getting the V5 CS makes sense to me. Someone with V4 CS could make a big jump with the V5 SE version,
and someone with the standard V4 and some sundries, could jump up
an order of magnitude, and get MAX 5, that is actually really MAX
until some new gear is released.

There really needs to be a .ini file, where customers can opt to remove
the un-owned-gear presets, and demo noisebursts should become
demo fade-outs, as at least one upscale competitor have done, and without filing for bankruptcy.

Thank you for seeing value throughout the offerings and one version that makes sense for you. We'll have more information on preset management coming, but also note that we don't use noisebursts for demoing via Custom Shop so if you hear those that typically means Custom Shop isn't open in the background and/or you're not connected to the internet while demoing. If you are outside of the demo period or haven't authorized the gear/collection then you would hear the noisebursts but they're not part of the normal demo process. Note to self to grab more information about the demo process going forward with AmpliTube 5 as well.

[jamcat]

Peter, and word on purchasing AT5 as a collection or getting the new AT5 gear a-la-carte in the Custom Shop?

I'd really like to have an AT5/MixBox bundle in the Custom Shop, because I have a couple Gear Credits I could apply to it. That would definitely push me towards an early purchase.

[telecode]

Amplitube 4 MAX will include everything that was out at the time of its creation (which is Feburary 2016), so won't include Dimebag, Satch and Brian May packs. That's the issue with the "MAX" versions - it's not actually MAX, it's just a bundle of stuff that was released up to a single point in time, and doesn't include any of the stuff that's released later. the bundle is never updated.

So, essentially, you have that issue even with Amplitube 4 MAX. With Amplitube 5 MAX, you won't have that issue right now, but will have it once IK releases new content for Amplitube 5. if you buy regular (5 or 5 SE) version, you'll still have that issue just like you do right now.

and this is excactly the issue with the IKM business model with regards to the AT 5 release. The people that already bought and invested in AT 4 and collections aren't getting any incentive to upgrade. This leads me to believe IKM are using this intro offer to hook in new customers and/or sell their hardware. Thus its a fine deal as long as you are a new customer and haven't already bought a bunch of their Amplitube stuff.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Amplitube 4 MAX will include everything that was out at the time of its creation (which is Feburary 2016), so won't include Dimebag, Satch and Brian May packs. That's the issue with the "MAX" versions - it's not actually MAX, it's just a bundle of stuff that was released up to a single point in time, and doesn't include any of the stuff that's released later. the bundle is never updated.

So, essentially, you have that issue even with Amplitube 4 MAX. With Amplitube 5 MAX, you won't have that issue right now, but will have it once IK releases new content for Amplitube 5. if you buy regular (5 or 5 SE) version, you'll still have that issue just like you do right now.

and this is excactly the issue with the IKM business model with regards to the AT 5 release. The people that already bought and invested in AT 4 and collections aren't getting any incentive to upgrade. This leads me to believe IKM are using this intro offer to hook in new customers and/or sell their hardware. Thus its a fine deal as long as you are a new customer and haven't already bought a bunch of their Amplitube stuff.

$99.99 for a HUGE update with higher quality and you can run all the gear you have taking advantage of these massive improvements is a "problem" with the business model of this release?

We're not a subscription. Nor are product lines that seem "complete" whether it is spelled correctly or not. New gear/products released after the current version won't get added for free there either. We have added $680 worth of collections for $299.99 plus you get all of the new gear and features with AmpliTube 5 MAX. We offer lower-priced versions that include all of the new features for a reasonable price. We also offered a version with the new gear and features for a reasonable price.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Peter, and word on purchasing AT5 as a collection or getting the new AT5 gear a-la-carte in the Custom Shop?

I'd really like to have an AT5/MixBox bundle in the Custom Shop, because I have a couple Gear Credits I could apply to it. That would definitely push me towards an early purchase.

I have not, I have bumped the question again. Though AmpliTube 4 new gear wasn't available a la carte I won't assume that has to be the case here so I will make sure to get an answer.

MixBox is not available for Gear Credits and not likely to be (similar to the MODO line) as that's outside of the Custom Shop ecosphere entirely.

[jamcat]

Peter, and word on purchasing AT5 as a collection or getting the new AT5 gear a-la-carte in the Custom Shop?

I'd really like to have an AT5/MixBox bundle in the Custom Shop, because I have a couple Gear Credits I could apply to it. That would definitely push me towards an early purchase.

I have not, I have bumped the question again. Though AmpliTube 4 new gear wasn't available a la carte I won't assume that has to be the case here so I will make sure to get an answer.

MixBox is not available for Gear Credits and not likely to be (similar to the MODO line) as that's outside of the Custom Shop ecosphere entirely.

What about AmpliTube 5 as a Collection?
You can purchase AmpliTube 4 in the Custom Shop as a Collection, but AmpliTube 5 is not there. Will that change once AmpliTube 5 goes live?

[bugzapper]

I have not, I have bumped the question again. Though AmpliTube 4 new gear wasn't available a la carte I won't assume that has to be the case here so I will make sure to get an answer.

+1 on interest in using Gear Credits toward Amplitube 5

Personally, I care more about being able to apply them to a package, such as Amplitube 5 MAX, rather than to a la carte pieces.

[telecode]

Amplitube 4 MAX will include everything that was out at the time of its creation (which is Feburary 2016), so won't include Dimebag, Satch and Brian May packs. That's the issue with the "MAX" versions - it's not actually MAX, it's just a bundle of stuff that was released up to a single point in time, and doesn't include any of the stuff that's released later. the bundle is never updated.

So, essentially, you have that issue even with Amplitube 4 MAX. With Amplitube 5 MAX, you won't have that issue right now, but will have it once IK releases new content for Amplitube 5. if you buy regular (5 or 5 SE) version, you'll still have that issue just like you do right now.

and this is excactly the issue with the IKM business model with regards to the AT 5 release. The people that already bought and invested in AT 4 and collections aren't getting any incentive to upgrade. This leads me to believe IKM are using this intro offer to hook in new customers and/or sell their hardware. Thus its a fine deal as long as you are a new customer and haven't already bought a bunch of their Amplitube stuff.

$99.99 for a HUGE update with higher quality and you can run all the gear you have taking advantage of these massive improvements is a "problem" with the business model of this release?

We're not a subscription. Nor are product lines that seem "complete" whether it is spelled correctly or not. New gear/products released after the current version won't get added for free there either. We have added $680 worth of collections for $299.99 plus you get all of the new gear and features with AmpliTube 5 MAX. We offer lower-priced versions that include all of the new features for a reasonable price. We also offered a version with the new gear and features for a reasonable price.

Peter, I think the upgrade option being disputed is the logic behind Amplitube 5 SE vs Amplitube 5 editions for existing Amplitube 4 Max owners. It doesn't take into consideration Amplitube 4 Max owners who are not interested in having all the collections that were released since Amplitube 4 Max was released. So they don't want to dish out $299 for the upgrade to Max b/c they might already have some of the extra collections they were bought separately.

Amplitube 4 Max owners are being asked to pay $99 to upgrade and they don't even get the new Amplitube 5 core amps!!

It's $99 just to be able to use their existing collections in Amplitube 5 but if they also want the Amplitube 5 amps and cabs, they have to dish out a whopping $149.

The break down is:

$99 for SE to get:
- new sound engine
- IR loader
- use the existing Amplitube 4 amps, cabs and effects you have.

$149 to get:
- new sound engine
- IR loader
- use the existing Amplitube 4 amps, cabs and effects you have.
- the new Amplitube 5 amps, cabs and FX.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Yes, you get some great new gear (2 new stomps, 5 acclaimed amps, and 19 racks FX derived from T-RackS and redesigned specifically for AmpliTube 5, 2 new rooms, re-captured cabinets) with the $149.99 upgrade. Minus another 30% if you have JamPoints from previous purchases too.

Nobody is forcing you to go with SE, and with everything that's new plus the ability to have all of your existing gear from AmpliTube 4 MAX sound better, that's not a bad deal at all. If you disagree, of course you can pass. Or go with the free CS version. Comparison charts are up on the site (edit: as are all of the new features since you seem to be going lean on that list above).

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

If you have some of the collections, you can check the value of what remains and make your decision based on that. While remembering that there are more than those collections for what you're paying, and the site does detail what is included so people can see if that is of value to them. They might want to pick up the remainder separately. Might want to wait for those to go on sale. Might not want them at all. Everybody has their own needs.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

I have not, I have bumped the question again. Though AmpliTube 4 new gear wasn't available a la carte I won't assume that has to be the case here so I will make sure to get an answer.

+1 on interest in using Gear Credits toward Amplitube 5

Personally, I care more about being able to apply them to a package, such as Amplitube 5 MAX, rather than to a la carte pieces.

The latter is not likely. No MAX products have been available using Gear Credits.

[revvy]

Nm

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Peter, and word on purchasing AT5 as a collection or getting the new AT5 gear a-la-carte in the Custom Shop?

I'd really like to have an AT5/MixBox bundle in the Custom Shop, because I have a couple Gear Credits I could apply to it. That would definitely push me towards an early purchase.

I have not, I have bumped the question again. Though AmpliTube 4 new gear wasn't available a la carte I won't assume that has to be the case here so I will make sure to get an answer.

MixBox is not available for Gear Credits and not likely to be (similar to the MODO line) as that's outside of the Custom Shop ecosphere entirely.

What about AmpliTube 5 as a Collection?
You can purchase AmpliTube 4 in the Custom Shop as a Collection, but AmpliTube 5 is not there. Will that change once AmpliTube 5 goes live?

That's the main AmpliTube 4 package, features and all. Just like purchasing AmpliTube 5 now. However, during preorder AmpliTube 5 is not available for Gear Credits (I don't believe AmpliTube 4 was either) and I have no information at this time whether it will be in the future.

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

It looks to me like you're getting a pretty great deal with AT5 CS if you own a bunch of AT gear already. You get updated models, the same cab functionality you currently have but based off improved models of the cabinets, resizable GUI, and more features than AT4 currently offers all for the low, low price of free.

Here's what you do folks:

1. Pretend AT5 regular and AT5 SE don't exist
2. Upgrade to AT5 CS and unlock your gear for free
3. Use it for a few months, maybe close to a year
4. Wait for a huge IK sale when you can buy the full AT5 for like $99 then knock off more of the cost with JamPoints, or one of their giant Group Buys

Result: Winning on fronts!

What you avoid: whining about IK's upgrade model and all related drama.

If you're already here, you are informed consumer. You know IK never does upgrades, they always give you a pretty good free version with limited features, and they always eventually offer huge sales with deep discounts later on. This isn't a secret or anything new.

[Echoes in the Attic]

It looks to me like you're getting a pretty great deal with AT5 CS if you own a bunch of AT gear already. You get updated models, the same cab functionality you currently have but based off improved models of the cabinets, resizable GUI, and more features than AT4 currently offers all for the low, low price of free.

Here's what you do folks:

1. Pretend AT5 regular and AT5 SE don't exist
2. Upgrade to AT5 CS and unlock your gear for free
3. Use it for a few months, maybe close to a year
4. Wait for a huge IK sale when you can buy the full AT5 for like $99 then knock off more of the cost with JamPoints, or one of their giant Group Buys

Result: Winning on fronts!

What you avoid: whining about IK's upgrade model and all related drama.

If you're already here, you are informed consumer. You know IK never does upgrades, they always give you a pretty good free version with limited features, and they always eventually offer huge sales with deep discounts later on. This isn't a secret or anything new.

I agree. I'm not tempted enough by the stuff in SE or above for the price, but CS will be great, and it's quite cool to be able to get that upgrade for free. So I'm not at all upset with IK over the pricing, but the truth is, they probably could have roped me in with a slightly different pricing structure. If they did for example what they did with Amplitube 4, where there was just that standard upgrade with the new amps for 99, I might have upgraded for that. Or i there was a Max 4 to Max 5 upgrade, say for $150 or so, I might have considered that. But currently I could just sell my Amplitube 4 and other products and still have something I could use for the crossgrade, so I might do that. Or just use CS and see how that goes.